Founded in 1801, Arlington County may be over 200 years old, but it possesses an energy that is youthful and energizing. Over the past two centuries, this principal city of Northern Virginia has developed into a lively community that offers everything all at once, in perfect and equal amounts. Arlington is a tech center, a historic city, a high-powered business and federal center and a shopping and dining destination, all at the same time. It’s one of the reasons why Arlington is highly rated as one of the best places to live in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Arlington occupies approximately 26 square miles of land in the southwestern bank of the Potomac River, just north of Alexandria. Location-wise, it is the closest to the capital, situated just directly across it. For this reason, Arlington is one of the preferred addresses for people working in Washington, D.C. There are over 236,000 residents in Arlington, making it one of the most populous areas in the state.
History highlights
- Arlington County used to be a part of the sprawling land grant granted to Thomas Fairfax, the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. Eventually, it was ceded to the government along with modern-day Alexandria.
- Arlington became a part of the District of Columbia under the Organic Act of 1801. During this time, it was part of Alexandria County. This also included the City of Alexandria. In the 1840s, however, Alexandria County was retroceded to Virginia.
- Thirty years after the retrocession, the City of Alexandria separated from the rest of Alexandria County. What was left of Alexandria County was renamed as Arlington County in 1920 to avoid any confusion between the two.
- Arlington’s new name was in honor of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House. This historic residence is located in what is now the Arlington National Cemetery.
Homes for sale in Arlington, VA
Arlington’s real estate market features a blend of old and new housing options. There are single-family homes for sale, as well as upscale condos and luxury apartments, and historic properties. These are spread across 60 neighborhoods, allowing you to fully appreciate the architectural diversity of residential real estate in the city.
Several neighborhoods stand out among the rest. Areas such as Bluemont, Ashton Heights, Cherrydale, Donaldson Run, Leeway, Lyon Village, and Old Glebe are notable for their extensive collections of luxury real estate. Options here include well-preserved Colonial-style homes and mansions as well as newer Craftsman Bungalows.
If you would rather concentrate your search on luxury apartments, townhomes, and new condos for sale in Arlington, VA, neighborhoods like Arlington Ridge, Ballston-Virginia Square, Clarendon-Courthouse, and of course, Rosslyn.
Homes for sale in Arlington, VA are not limited to Colonial homes and Craftsman Bungalows. Other architectural styles found sprinkled all over the community include Cape Cod, ranch, Dutch Colonial, Tudor Revival, four square, farmhouses with their signature wraparound porches, and contemporary.
What is it like living in Arlington, VA?
Getting around Arlington
The fastest and easiest mode of transportation in Arlington is the Washington Metro Subway, with the city served by four lines: Blue, Orange, Silver, and Yellow. The Metrobus also runs in Arlington, adding to the list of public transportation options, which also includes Arlington Transit, the Virginia Railway Express, and other public bus services.
If you prefer traveling by private transportation, Arlington’s main thoroughfares are Interstate 395 and Interstate 66, the former serving the eastern part of the city and the latter located in northern Arlington. For environmentally friendly options, there are several bikeshares that operate in the city, most prominently Capital Bikeshare. You can explore over 100 miles of dedicated bike paths that circle around Arlington.
In touch with nature
There are several places in Arlington where you can recharge and surround yourself with greenery. Potomac Overlook Regional Park has two miles of woodland trails you can explore, as well as a Nature Center where you can learn more about the local flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Gulf Branch Nature Center and Park features over 40 acres of beautiful forest. The Nature Center itself is quite the destination with its different exhibits.
A center for learning
Arlington Public Schools operates several renowned institutions such as Washington-Liberty High School and Yorktown High School. Plenty of universities and colleges also have campuses in the city, including Virginia Tech’s Research Center and the George Washington University’s Arlington Education Center. Only one university has its main campus stationed in Arlington: Marymount University.
Plant your roots in Arlington, VA
Theo & Partners’ team of real estate professionals are experts on real estate sales, construction, architecture, and interior design. Our vast resources and creativity are yours to use as you explore homes for sale in Arlington, VA. Hear more about how we can help you and get in touch with us today.
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